Christina L Martinez
Salinas
Summary
With over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, I have worked in both the front and back of the house. A career highlight includes apprenticing under Chef Jon Cox at Sierra Mar restaurant in the beautiful Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. This experience allowed me to develop my skills and passion for cooking. I played a key role in opening Stokes Adobe & Cella restaurant in Monterey, where I served as the lead grill cook. During this time, I explored and showcased the food of my Native American heritage. I have been honored to be the head chef at food pop-ups and the Essalen Tribe's harvest festival, featuring Indigenous Californio cuisine that is close to my heart. Recently, I collaborated on a cookbook with the Inner Tribal Buffalo Council of South Dakota, representing Monterey's central coast. The cookbook is set to release in November 2025, coinciding with Indigenous Month. Additionally, I am thrilled to have been invited by the Buffalo Council to cook for the tribe during this year's famous Black Hills Powwow on October 25th. My dedication to indigenous cooking has been recognized by Monterey's Edible Magazine, Monterey Weekly, and Magdalena Magazine, which have featured my work here on the central coast.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Grill Cook
Cella Restaurant & Bar
01.2023 - 04.2024
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently preparing high-quality meals according to recipe guidelines and specifications.
- Developed innovative recipes featuring fresh ingredients that attracted new customers and increased overall sales revenue.
- Improved team productivity by training new employees on grill station procedures, safety protocols, and company standards.
- Supported restaurant sustainability initiatives by utilizing locally sourced produce whenever possible in dish preparation.
- Built strong relationships with food suppliers to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Received numerous compliments from customers for exceptional taste and presentation of dishes prepared at the grill station.
- Led daily tasks on the grill station while fostering a collaborative environment.
- Collaborated with management to plan menus, incorporating seasonal ingredients and anticipating customer preferences based on market trends.
- Increased efficiency through expertly organizing prep stations to streamline cooking processes during peak service times.
- Upheld health code regulations by ensuring proper food handling practices were followed at all times during the cooking process.
- Continuously stayed current with industry trends by attending cooking workshops, seminars, and networking events to further develop culinary skills.
- Established and maintained productive staff relationships for positive working environments.
Lead Grill Cook
Stokes Adobe Restaurant
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Prepared diverse menu items by following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Monitored food safety standards to uphold health regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
Patient Educator
Synchronicity Holistic Wellness Center
08.2020 - 03.2022
- Conducted routine start-of-day tasks seamlessly.
- Unlock inventory alarm system
- Managed cash drawer balancing $400 accurately.
- Unlock Lights / Door alarm system
- Provided consumption details for customer education.
- Facilitated informative and effective service consultations.
- Identified potential areas for product improvement.
- Cash & debit card transactions
- Coordinate preparation for curbside, delivery, in-store and pick-up orders.
- Prepare private medical consultations with patients and on staff nurses & pharmacists
- Worked with diverse teams to design effective care plans incorporating tailored educational methods.
Server
Tarpy's Roadhouse
05.2018 - 06.2020
- Handled financial transactions using various payment methods.
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers
- Ensured hygiene standards by organizing cleaning tasks for dining spaces.
- Suggested customized options aligned with individual dietary restrictions and taste preferences.
- Maintained table settings by removing courses, replacing utensils and refilling beverages promptly and courteously
- Managed food resources, memorized orders and coordinated service in - table restaurants
- Helped customers place orders, explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns
- Checked identification to enforce age regulations for alcoholic beverages
- Greeted and maintained relationships with regular customers
- Prepared beverages and filled food orders for customers
Apprentice Chef
Sierra Mar Restaurant Post Ranch Inn
03.2014 - 02.2015
- Configured meal service sections following guidance from the chef.
- Optimized workflow consistency by diligently organizing mise en place.
- Prepared cooking ingredients for the chef
- Performed other tasks as assigned by sous chef or chef
- Uphold high-quality food standards through meticulous review of incoming deliveries.
- Operated commercial cooking and baking equipment such as Weston vacuum pack machine and VacPak Svo8 Sous Vide machine
- Ensured food inventory and supplies were maintained and used resourcefully
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity and presentation
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures
- Prepared meals accommodating various dietary restrictions and customer preferences.
- Verified compliance in preparation of menu items and customer special requests
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish and eggs
Education
Certification -
Santa Cruz Permaculture
Santa Cruz, CA06.2018
High School Diploma - General Education
Salinas High School
Salinas, CA06.2009
Skills
- Sales expertise
- Performance improvement
- Communication skills
- Luxury experience management
- Event service
- Upselling skills
- Point of sale knowledge
Affiliations
-Essalen Tribe of Monterey County
-Inner Tribal Buffalo Council of South Dakota
-Santa Cruz Permaculture
Certification
-Permaculture Certification
-Food Handlers Certification
Timeline
Lead Grill Cook
Cella Restaurant & Bar
01.2023 - 04.2024
Lead Grill Cook
Stokes Adobe Restaurant
06.2021 - 12.2022
Patient Educator
Synchronicity Holistic Wellness Center
08.2020 - 03.2022
Server
Tarpy's Roadhouse
05.2018 - 06.2020
Apprentice Chef
Sierra Mar Restaurant Post Ranch Inn
03.2014 - 02.2015
Certification -
Santa Cruz Permaculture
High School Diploma - General Education
Salinas High School
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